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Sunday 19 February 2012

The Joan Holloway copy-cat



Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to announce my most recent celebrity copy-cat dress; the Joan Holloway.


I modelled it off this dress worn by the character Joan in Mad Men.


This dress is in perfect theme of my latest (and well.., first) sewing group challenge: to re-create a mad men dress! If you missed my last post and want to join in on the fun you can check out the details here

I cant wait to see what everyone comes up with! I am going to need some serious massage therapy come April 1st; the muscles in my neck and back are all jammed up in anticipation and extreme excitement.

I have created with considerable help from my husband Mr. Robin Bobbin (Robin input 99% - Julia input 01%) a shiny new blogger button for the Mad Men Dress challenge (note, I cannot guarantee shiny-ness).



Mad Men Challenge Blogger Button
Isnt it lovely? So for those of you who want to show on your blogs that youre participating in the challenge, just copy the HTML in the grab box below and let’s make magic. (Disclaimer – I dont know how to make actual magic; never got my Hogwarts letter).

So … back to my latest copy-cat dress!



When I first saw it on the screen the cogs in my brain (I like to pretend theres more than one in there) started turning and I go into a state that can only be described as a ‘lust-over-a-dress-shock (L O A D S)


This is where my brain starts feverishly working over time trying to deduce how it can re-create this visual delight. I try and get my head around the idea that no, at 1pm in the morning/night the fabric stores are not open and there is no point getting in your car and camping out in front of one of them till morning (and crying CERTAINLY wont help).


To anyone witnessing me going into LOADS it might appear that I have turned into stone or perhaps looked a Basilisk in the eye (nasty beasts), but if you look carefully youll notice the pools of drool start to trickle down the side of my face and thats the sign that I am still alive. ish.



There is something about the combination of blue and white together that delights my senses, and coincidentally also gives me the urge to sail a boat.

Naturally I love the shape of this dress of Joanies. As all Joanie dresses do, they pull in at the waist and hug the curves in scandalous-disguised-as-conservative ways.


These sorts of dresses make me feel good. Plain and simple.
I guess its the most flattering shape for my figure and Im always satisfied with the end result when I replicate this shape.



You know, when I purchased this fabric and cut out the dress I got sidetracked with another project and almost didnt continue with this dress - gee, I wonder if I'm the only sewer with this problem ... Im so glad that I picked it up and got re-inspired again as I love how it turned out.



Once again I pulled out a recent favourite, Butterick pattern #5603 which I used to aid me in re-creating my Peggy Olson dress.




The bodice of this dress has such a lovely shape and mimics vintage beautifully. It has a lovely wide bateau neckline and a darling V shaped back neck.



I love the high empire waist of this pattern, which emphasises the waist to contrast nicely again the width of the hips.



As before with the Peggy dress I completely changed the skirt of this pattern for the pencil skirt instead of a full panelled skirt that goes with the pattern. 


Here's a picture from the Butterick website of how the dress looks when you completely follow the pattern. It's beautiful but quite different to my finished look!



The skirt I used has four darts at the front and the darts on the pattern piece didnt line up with the darts on the original skirt that comes with the pattern. This just wont do!

I used my re-drafted pattern from my Peggy dress where I took the time to slash and cut to move the darts in the bodice to line up perfectly with my skirt darts. You can see in more detail how I did this on my previous post here.




I added white ribbon trim around the front and back neck.




Just like the inspiration dress I added the white ribbon down the front of the dress starting from under the bust. The ribbon ran parallel with the centre front all the way down to the skirt hem.



I then hand sewed 8 lovely buttons to the left of the trim to mimic the inspiration piece.



What is it about buttons and bows that turn me on so much? I never thought I was a real girly-girl but I think I have just always been in denial. Im probably as girly-girl as you can get.
Wow, I feel so much better getting that out in the open.

I added my own little sleeves to the bodice as the Butterick pattern doesnt come with sleeves.


And yes I do own an iron, I don't know what is going on with the sleeves here.

Other changes:

I fully lined the dress – the Butterick pattern only gets you to line the bodice.
I moved the zipper to the centre back instead of the side seam and I used an invisible zipper to close
I cut the bodice 12, waist in a 10 and used my own skirt with a size 14 from the hips down (sigh).


I love how this dress turned out! When I wear this I really feel like I am wearing something that no one else has and it satisfies all my vintage urges.



And there you have it!

Looking forward to seeing all the Mad Men delights for the challenge. Any one started their Mad Men dress yet?

129 comments:

  1. I love it! You look great! I'm not a very Mad Men girl but the truth is that all the outfits are awesome. I don't know if I've been able to join your challenge. But it's a great idea.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Marilo! Even if you can't participate you can still enjoy seeing other peoples creations! :)

      Delete
  2. Gah! You are KILLING me with this dress! It is an utter delight! A confection of blue and white.

    I have LOADS, too.

    Well done, Mrs. Bobbin!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sarah you are super kind.

      I am also touched to finally have met someone else with LOADS. We should start a support group. x

      Delete
    2. I needs to be joining this group, as my out-of-control wardrobe will attest to :)

      Julia, I love the dress. It made me do happy happy sighs of happiness. I'm so glad it exists in the worlds.

      Delete
  3. All I can say about this is....Wow!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Stunning! Especially loving the bateau neck and v at back, so elegant. I wish I were taking part in the Mad Men challenge... but I have too much stuff that I've already been procrastinating like crazy... but then again, what's one little extra dress...?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh Elisalex thank you.
      I will be keeping an eye on you ... I think you could still come up with something yet! Here's hoping! x

      Delete
  5. Lovely! looks amazing on you and is so similar to Joan's dress on the show. I'm SO in for your Mad Men challenge! Can't wait to see what everyone comes up with. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sue that's great to hear! Can't wait to see what you come up with :)

      Delete
  6. CUTE! I totally get LOADS too. It happens frequently watching Mad Men - I get it surfing eBay too. When there's an amazing dress and I'm like "I could make that"....not often I have actually got round to making it though haha. I've got such a backlog of ideas to get to...like my next project. I don't know if I should make another dress or try out a wearable muslin for the amazing 50's flared princess coat pattern I have....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh decisions decisions! That is a super tough call.

      And don't even get me started on ebay. I have lost many years of my life surfing through their inspirational wonders.

      Glad to meet another sewer with LOADS. xx

      Delete
  7. Wow. It's absolutely lovely. You as well as that dress have such a great shape. Adore the blue and white. Good work yet again. As a sewing junkie I love your blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anna you are wonderful, thank you for your comment! x

      Delete
  8. Your dress is brilliant!!! So beautiful. I need to start re-watching some episodes to get some inspiration. I'm totally rockin' your button in my side bar now. Lets do this!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are totally ace of base! Thank you! Just checked out your blog and it's fantastic. I must get looking at your store.

      This thing is on!

      Delete
  9. Absolutely gorgeous! You look stunning!

    ReplyDelete
  10. You are such an inspiration. I love the colour, may I ask what is the fabric composition? The white Ribbon details make the dress breathtaking . I love the fitted dress on you, so flattering.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Catherine for such a wonderful compliment!

      The fabric is a medium weight cotton drill. I bought it in the cheap section of a big chain fabric store but I find the heavier fabrics flatter me more and I love the colour!

      Thanks so much for your comment :)

      Delete
  11. Wow wow wow...that turned out fantastic! I like it better than the original, and you look stunning in it. I don't have the channel for Mad Men, so only live through blog posts and what videos I can find online :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That could be the best. compliment. ever.

      Thanks Arlene!

      Delete
  12. cute as usual! i love the creativity you've done with just this one pattern.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's the pattern that keeps on giving. I reckon it has a few more dresses in it yet.

      Thanks Trixy Dixie!

      Delete
  13. Words fail me Julia it's just absolutely perfect. It's so so flattering - you look beautiful in it. Well, what a fantastic start to the Mad Men Dress Challenge! x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jane you are too kind. Thank you so much! And thank you for mentioning the challenge on your blog too! x

      Delete
  14. wow what a stunning dress! I love that colour combination too - Julia, talented and gorgeous :) You're a total inspiration and I can't wait to join the Mad Men challenge, especially as I've not made a dress in 2 years! x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cath thank you for such a kind comment! You've made my day :)

      So glad you're taking part in the Mad Men Challenge and I'm ecstatic to hear you are going to be making your first dress in 2 years. Marvellous!

      Delete
  15. Absolutely stunning! That's all there is to say. (Oh and will you make one for me ?!) x

    ReplyDelete
  16. This is fantastic! You are so talented to take different size pieces, put them together, and then add your own skirt.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Meghan. It's hit and miss that's for sure. I've tried this before and failed so I'm very happy it was a sucess with this pattern. x

      Delete
  17. Oh my god this is amazing. I love this, is suits you beautifully and the slightly cooler toned blue matches your coloring perfectly. I love it! It fits you so well, I'm drooling just looking at you, it's going to be an issue for the safety of my keyboard....

    I'm still gathering inspiration images for my dress,(it's totally going to be a dress). I'm trying to pay tribute to some of the less-loved characters, costume-wise, so I might make something fit for Trudy, or even Dr. Faye!

    strugglesewsastraightseam.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes Dr. Faye! I love her too and she always rocks a seriously ace pair of earrings.

      Thanks lovely Leah, and yes I LOVE this shade of blue. Might have to buy some more of this fabric. Can't wait to see what you come up with :)

      Delete
  18. Another strike for Julia! ^___^
    Lovely dress, fantastic color and details!

    Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Amazing!
    This dress is wonderful!
    Bravo Julia!
    Have a good evening!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dentelline, Merci de vos commentaires aimables xxx

      (and thank you google translator!)

      Delete
  20. super, super cute.
    I really love it.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Beautiful! This is my new favorite sewing blog. You and your creations are lovely. And now I really must start watching Mad Men! I've never seen it and now after seeing all the beautiful clothing I feel like I've been missing out!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Katrine thank you so much!

      P.s. I just checked out your blog and I have to say you have such a beautiful family! And I do love me a southern accent :)

      Delete
  22. Oh, Julia, you did it again... Not that I had any doubts about it.
    Amazing as always, and you truly channel Joanie with those amazing curves of yours.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lovely lady thank you! That is such a great compliment! x

      Delete
  23. Simply stunning Julia. You've nailed this - I adore this dress. How on earth can we match this??!! Gorgeous :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne you are too kind! (And now permenantly on my christmas card list)

      Delete
  24. I get LOADS too, particularly from, like, every single dress you post!! ^___^ This one is no exception - love love love it!! XD

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Madam thank you! You just gave me the warm and fuzzies. xxx

      Delete
  25. great work! its really the same dress! it perferct fin! just great!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Gorgeous, you look utterly fabulous I am so thrilled to have found your blog. Sexy in a shift!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Miriam thank you and welcome and I'm so glad you found me! We are going to get a long just fine :)

      Delete
  27. I love it!And you look gorgeous as always and I wish I had your figure!
    I think I have gone into LOADS before,too.lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jennifer! LOADS is a nasty condition but one that we all have in common. There is no cure either!

      Delete
  28. This is utter stylish sophistication and confidence at its best Julia. I'm embarking on a dress to wear to a Perth riverside wedding in March, taking my inspiration from your beautiful collection.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OOO! I love weddings, they make for a great excuse to make something fancy! I have so many great dress ideas but no where to wear them! Thanks for your comment and good luck with the dress for the wedding!

      Delete
  29. This is fabulous. How much do I love those buttons?!

    ReplyDelete
  30. It looks awesome! Well done.

    ReplyDelete
  31. This dress is stunning ! I like your pencil skirt much better than the full panelled version. I also love the empire waist, it is unusual for a form-fitting dress !
    It is not reasonable for me to begin a new dress (have 5 projects waiting for me, yes I think every sewer has the same problem !) but I will love to see what everyone comes up with.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Madam!
      Yes I too have a million dresses on my 'to-do' list which is starting to keep me up at night. If only I didn't have to work five days a week and could busy myself in sewing projects.
      Having said that I would have the spine of a 90 year old if I sewed all day everyday; it does shocking things to my posture.
      Thanks for visiting!

      Delete
  32. too perfect. great work! you look fabulous in it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. I adore this dress. Just about as much as I revere Joanie. And um excuse me, no sighing over dress sizes. One of the reasons I love Joan is she's a girl with some sizable curves and she also happens to be the hottest mama on the planet. So. Work it like Joan.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Erin, and thanks for getting me re-focused over dress sizes! My favourite style icons always have 'real woman' figures and I need to remind myself of that! x

      Delete
  34. I was wondering if you were going to post a list of the people/blogs that are participating in the Mad Men challenge, so that we will be able to check their blogs and see their progress on the dresses. Thanks. This is very inspiring!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brooke that's a brilliant idea! I am going to have brainstorm on this to see how to best do it. Thanks for the suggestion and for your lovely comment x

      Delete
  35. You could try a Linky Tools from here. http://www.linkytools.com/ I know they use it lot on cardmaking challenges, etc Here is an example of one(you need to scroll down to the end of the post) http://saturatedcanarychallenge.blogspot.com/2012/02/challenge-11.html Hope that helps, or at least gets your wheels turning. ;0)

    ReplyDelete
  36. Sorry, not sure why that comment came out spaced that way. lol

    ReplyDelete
  37. Great looking dress! I like the blue and white together also.

    ReplyDelete
  38. hi Julia, my version of this dress is also ready, permissin to put a link or pics.
    Regards

    ReplyDelete
  39. ♥ amazing
    ♥ wonderful
    ♥ incredible

    p.s. prześlicznie :)))

    ReplyDelete
  40. Very nice
    yours has etter sleeves!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Wow, it is so nice to know that I am not the only insane person with this disorder, LOA DS will be my defence when I go into fabric madness mode! I have always done this when I have seen a dress on TV or worse, gone into floods of adoration for someone who is wearing a dress with a detail I love.

    I discovered your blog from Facebook today, and will be back, it is so inspirational, thank you xx

    ReplyDelete
  42. wow love ur dress

    ReplyDelete
  43. I love your dress and I was wondering, what type of fabric did you use to make it? I would like to make a similar one but I am worried about cotton being too wrinkly.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I used a cotton drill. Cheap and thick :)

      Delete
  44. wooooow but i loooove the dress, well i´m a big fan of joan but i have to admit the dress looks even better on you!!!
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  75. I love this dress but cant sew.
    Are you able to make me this dress?
    Im more than happy to pay a good price.

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  76. Hi Julia!
    Awesome copy-cat!
    I absolute love it!
    kisses from Portugal!

    ReplyDelete
  77. Absolutely beautiful dress and great copy cat!. The rest of your site is also very good. Keep it coming.

    ReplyDelete
  78. Found this post on Pinterest, and I just want you to know how absolutely stunning your dress is! It fits you like a glove. I want to sew like you when I grow up ;)

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  79. what a wonderful dress!!!! You are gorgeous!

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  80. I am totally in love with your version of this dress! I have to figure out how you changed the pattern, Your version is SOOOOOOO much better than the original. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  81. I am totally in love with this dress! Now I have to make one for myself. Hope it turns out as well as yours did. Thanks for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  82. Julia, what fabric did you use for your Joan dress? Really interested in trying this. Was there a particular pattern you used for the bottom half or was it just a pencil skirt pattern? I have never moved darts but will give your tutorial a go.

    ReplyDelete